iCaverns: Interpretation, There\'s An App For That!

Author

National Cave and Karst Research Institute

Files

Publication Date

November 2013

Document Type

Article

Notes

Dianne Joop Cave Stream 807 Dennis Way Carlsbad, New Mexico, 88220, USA, dianne@cavestream.com Michael Hernandez Mykaelsoft, LLC PO Box 3177 Carlsbad, New Mexico, 88220, USA, mykhaelsoft@me.com Mark Joop Cave Stream 807 Dennis Way Carlsbad, New Mexico, 88220, USA, mark@cavestream.com AbstractA quarter of a century ago, cave and karst resources were declared irreplaceable with the passing of the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act. Yet, today, few understand the importance or fragility of these resources. Human interactions in karst areas make these resources highly susceptible to damage. Nonpersonal interpretation digital media products could serve as an important tool to bridge this informational gap. Worldwide, there are hundreds of parks or park- like attractions focusing on cave, spring, or sinkhole resources. Their visitors have a built-in curiosity about these places. Engaging this audience in interpretive programming could greatly increase their speleological knowledge. Paradoxically, the same attractions without accurate interpretive materials can also be responsible for promulgating cave and karst misconceptions. Digital media can be very effective tools for increasing awareness and stewardship of cave and karst resources. Smart device applications (apps) present several advantages over traditional interpretation media ncluding, engaging audiences outside of the attraction's boundaries, presenting interpretational messages to visitors in their native language, and maintaining content integrity. However, video and photography methods in cave environments present many challenges. Filming crews and gear requirements can cause irreparable damage to caves. This paper discusses the development of the iCaverns app, which was developed utilizing new green film making techniques as an educational and travel guide for Carlsbad Caverns National Park. iCaverns enhances visitor experience by interpreting geologic resources at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This app could also make park resources come to life, for more than 400 million people, in 155 countries and 38 languages. Open Access - Permission by Publisher See Extended description for more information.

Identifier

K26-01548

Recommended Citation

National Cave and Karst Research Institute, "iCaverns: Interpretation, There\'s An App For That!" (2013). KIP Articles. 2615.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/2615